Overview:

Hiraizumi In Ireland is a company that specializes in providing bespoke Japanese design consultancy and architecture services to clients in Ireland. Established in 2013, the company works in partnership with a wide range of Japanese suppliers, architects, and designers to create unique, beautifully crafted Japanese-style buildings and interiors. The firm’s services span from the ideation stage to the final product, incorporating Japanese craftsmanship, knowledge, and creativity into every project. Hiraizumi In Ireland continuously strives to meet the unique needs of each individual client, ensuring the final product is both attractive and functional. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Ireland
Prominent Features:

1. Hill of Hiraizumi: This hill is believed to have been the site of the capital of the ancient Oshu Province established in the 11th century by Fujiwara no Kiyohira. It is home to several important historical sites including Chusonji Temple, Motsuji Temple, and the Konjikido Hall. 2. Chusonji Temple: This Buddhist temple was originally founded in 850 and is home to many important structures including the Konjikido Hall, Golden Hall and Reception Hall. 3. Motsuji Temple: This temple was also founded in the 8th century and is home to a number of important structures including the five-story pagoda and the Kondo, or ‘golden’, Hall. 4. Konjikido Hall: This elaborate gold- and lacquered-wood building was constructed in the 12th century and is considered to be one of the most important structures in Hiraizumi. 5. Yamadera Temple: This temple was founded in 971 and is home to many important structures including the ‘Pagoda of the Seven Buddhas’ and the incredible ‘Kannon-zaka’ staircase. 6. Ruins of Taga-jo Castle: This castle was the political and military centre of the Oshu Province in the 11th century. It is a ‘National Historic Site’ and its remains are open to the public. 7. Stone Walls of Marubashi: These walls date back to the 12th century and surround the ruins of Taga-jo Castle. They are a great example of the impressive medieval defensive architecture of the Oshu Province. 8. Kitakamakura: This is a small settlement near the south end of Hiraizumi that is around 1700 years old. It is home to some traditional houses and craft shops that preserve the traditions of Hiraizumi. 9. Historic Hot Springs: Hiraizumi is home to a number of traditional hot springs, such as the Koganoyu Hot Spring and Akechi Onsen, that have been enjoyed by visitors for many centuries. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Ireland.

History:

Hiraizumi, a Japanese Buddhist temple complex in Iwate Prefecture, has had close links with Ireland since the late 19th century. Hiraizumi is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), a new wave of Japanese nationals arrived in Ireland, drawn to study or work in the country’s booming industries. Many of these immigrants were followers of the Hiraizumi temple complex, which featured prominently in their spiritual beliefs. The links between Hiraizumi and Ireland were further strengthened in the 1920s, when Irish archaeologist William Parsons was invited to study the temple complex. Parsons wrote extensively about his experience at Hiraizumi and did much to popularize it in Ireland. In 2008, the links between Hiraizumi and Ireland were further highlighted when the Irish government decided to contribute to the Hiraizumi Heritage Site Restoration Project. A civic delegation from Ireland, led by then-Minister of State Martin Mansergh, was invited to Hiraizumi to discuss and explore areas of mutual interests and co-operation. Since then, Hiraizumi has been the focus of many Japanese-Irish initiatives. For example, an Irish-led fundraising drive to restore and protect the site was held in 2016. The Irish-backed project was a success and the main temples and structures were fully restored and are now open for visitors. Today, Hiraizumi remains a strong influence in Irish-Japanese relations, providing a vital link between two cultures and countries. Visit one of the famous monuments of Ireland with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Hiraizumi was the capital of the Northern Fujiwara clan from 1189-1333. 2. It was a flourishing cultural and commercial center, and the first permanent stone buildings on the site date to 1189. 3. In 2011, Unesco made Hiraizumi a World Heritage Site. 4. A local tradition in Ireland has it that the stone used to make Hiraizumi came from an Irish quarry. 5. The town is known for it’s many Buddhist temples, known in Japan as “Pure Land Temples.” 6. It was during the reign of the Northern Fujiwara that the concept of "Chugen" was first introduced to Japan. This was a system of land redistribution and taxation that helped create a more equal society. One of the historical monuments of Ireland, it tells the story of a bygone era